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Social Action Sunday: Lack of Diversity on Fashion Week Runways?

22 September 2013

Hello loves!

So sorry but I've been running around campus helping the new incoming first years at the University of Chicago move in today and have not had much time to post! Instead, here is a short article from Refinery29 about a lack of diversity on the runways! It's a really interesting read if you have a minute!

Source: Refinery29

“Eyes are on an industry that season after season watches design houses consistently use one or no models of color. No matter the intention, the result is racism. Not accepting another based on the color of their skin is clearly beyond ‘aesthetic’ when it is consistent with the designer’s brand. Whether it’s the decision of the designer, stylist or casting director, that decision to use basically all white models, reveals a trait that is unbecoming to modern society. It can no longer be accepted, nor confused by the use of the Asian model.” --Refinery 29 Check out the full article here!http://www.refinery29.com/2013/09/52860/fashion-week-racist-letter

What are your thoughts? Do you think the fashion industry needs a makeover? Or do you think this is not a big deal?

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14 comments:

I saw an interview with Iman recently in which she said there were more models of color in the 80s than there is today. I'm just not interested in fashion week at all anyway - the women, the clothes, the makeup, are all so outrageous I just can't relate. It's not even a situation. Lack of diversity probably just compounds that problem.

Well, I have to say that for me, fashion week is a source of inspiration and servers as a creative outlet for designers. Although to each her own, and thank you for your comment! I agree that there are not only problems with fashion week in itself (such as a lack of diversity) but also major problems in the fashion industry (as well as many other industries) such as the violations of those on the boycott list c; Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and hope to see you again! c; xx

I think it is a problem! But I kind of lost the hope that anything will change... I mean, the fashion industry is so strong and powerful. And a lot of people don't even think about these thinks which is obviously sad. Thanks for pointing out this problem! x

Nooo! Haha don't think we can't change anything! Read this article: http://contributors.luckymag.com/post/social-action-sunday-why-boycotting-works and it will (hopefully) change your mind! If that was the case then why even try boycotting? I have hope, hence the whole spreading of (fashion-related) social justice issues on my blog! c; And haha yeah, I know issues like these are not discussed often or brought up--which is why I really want to incorporate it into my blog and have thoughtful discussions about it! Personally, I think we have the power to change the fashion, or really any, industry, and I think that we should take the initiative and effort to do so! c; xx

I read these articles often, & would love to see more diversity on runways! I think its a combination of problems. I've read that what's represented on runways are supposed to be who are " actually" buying these items instead of just "desiring" them. Also, I mean are people going to stop buying these brands if they don't change? I highly doubt it. Getting more diversity on runways is harder than having a black president (so we thought). I believe our generation with, self branding, bloggers, & social media we can change the norm of runways & advertising. Until then, we should continue to share what we love & want to see. Trust me, "they" are watching

Oooh that's interesting! (But it's still discriminatory, nonetheless!) And I totally agree with you--change CAN be brought about through our conscious efforts! Very well said, Alexandria! Thank you for your comment and hope to see you again! xx

Such a thought provoking piece! I'm actually helping out on a photoshoot this weekend and have highly suggested to use models with various ethnicity and not only concentrate on "white" models :) It was good that the people in the photoshoot agreed with me! Such a good sharing. Thanks a bunch!

Great post! I think yes, the fashion industry does need to increase its diversity however you can't argue that slowly this change is happening. I would love to see a wide range of ethnic backgrounds at fashion shows & I believe as time goes on it will happen!!

That's such a great attitude! I also agree that change will happen in time, but it will only come about through our efforts! If we don't do anything to change our habits and spread the message, neither will they! As always, thanks for your comment c;